Is there an Estrogen cream that can be used on the vulva, not necessarily inside the vagina?

[PunishmentRoundupWithJoon]

Is there such a thing as an estrogen cream that can be used on the vulva?

Unfortunately, I can't take HRT as it makes my hair fall out. I even experienced hair loss with vaginal estrogen pessaries, which was very disappointing. I'm now at the point where I'm wanting to at least try an estrogen cream as the dryness is increasing and I think the skin on the outside area has thinned somewhat. I'm willing to cautiously apply the cream sparingly and see how I go, monitoring my hair for excess shedding.

I've requested a GP appointment, but would like to go in armed with some info if anyone can help me out here.

Oooh I'm in!

How much do you think - a pea size twice a week mixed in with night cream?!

@JinglingSpringbells Yes, have had blood tests. All is ok, ferritin was low and that's being addressed (though was ok when trying HRT) I did try HRT a few years ago and experienced hair loss very quickly, I can't recall details but it was just tablets. I'm aware that may not be usual to experience hair loss with vaginal estrogen (and I know about the dose) but it happened.

@Sashya - Yes, I was on HRT a few years ago so both estrogen and progesterone. I did speak to a female gynaclogist and she could only suggest that I try the patches rather than the just the tablets. She sent the info to my GP and said to contact them when I was ready to try HRT again. I did that last year, collected my first months supply but have been too scared to try again as the hair loss is so devastating.

It's a tricky situation. If I wasn't bothered about going bald, I'd be on it like a shot.

Yes, have had blood tests. All is ok, ferritin was low and that's being addressed (though was ok when trying HRT) I did try HRT a few years ago and experienced hair loss very quickly, I can't recall details but it was just tablets. I'm aware that may not be usual to experience hair loss with vaginal estrogen (and I know about the dose) but it happened.

The cause of hair loss on hrt is usually the progesterone not estrogen.

It could be coincidence because all the medical information out there says that vaginal estrogen cannot cause systemic effects.

The problem is that when women decide to use hrt, and their symptoms appear, hair loss is a common sign of LOSS of estrogen and when hair gets thinner.

Hmm!

@JinglingSpringbells - I've experienced disbelief from doctors, so I'm used to it. We know our own bodies. Thinning hair was never an issue for me until the HRT (oh, and the pill many years ago - think hormones are an issue for me!).

It was too much of a coincidence.

I have been suffering from a heel spur and Plantar fasciitis. I was reading that it can be hampered by declining estrogen, my bottle of estrogen gel caught my eye and I thought why not... I tried rubbing a tiny bit into my heel and arch for a month, my symptoms are a lot better. Maybe it's a coincidence, I have been trying other things too, but it does make me wonder if topical estrogen is a untapped cure of many things!

Love to chat about hair loss

Bloody hell, I'm sticking some on my insertional tendinitis too then. And maybe my mortons neuroma. And possibly my rotator cuff that can sometimes get a bit niggly... 😉

My Ovestin states for internal use only so I haven't used it topically. Are there different types.

Have you tried omega 7 seabuckthorn oil capsules. I struggled with HRT and these have been a complete game changer. I really notoce when i have forgotten to take them.

Ovestin cream is for the vagina/vulva. Pessaries are internal only. Which sea buckthorn capsules? I looked at those for dry eyes but were over £20 in H&B!

Mine is the cream. It states this.

If the photos not clear it stays for intravaginal use only. So I haven't used it topically.

@Jigglypufff thats the same one I have, I use it externally.

You can use it on the outside and inside.

Does anyone think that this type of cream would work for my issues? The area around the public region is always extremely itchy. I am frequently sore around my vulva but do not experience any dryness in the actual vagina. I have eostrogel and a mirena already for HRT.

@Caaarrrl How old are you? Could it be a drop in estrogen with menopause? If so, yes definitely x

I turned 50 very recently!

Ovestin as a brand name has been discontinued and we will now be given generic Estriol 0.1% cream. My pharmacy told me there were supply issues but they seemed only to be while the change of ‘brand’ was happening.

@GoingRoundThatBlockAgain Hi. My repeat prescription says estriol and the pharmacy gives me Ovestin (as in the photo posted in pp). It’s been life changing for me and I don’t want to change to something else. Is there no more Ovestin???

Hi @SparklyBracelet - no more Ovestin as I understand it as the patent expired and it’s going to stay unbranded. I’ve not had to order a new prescription yet so can’t compare, but people on another meno forum are saying they have now received a genetically estriol cream. They say that the box, the tube the paperwork is exactly the same and ingredients and dosage are identical.

@GoingRoundThatBlockAgain Hi. I’ve just put in my repeat prescription request and asked for Ovestin 1mg cream. Interesting to see what the pharmacy give me. Don’t care what name it’s going under now as long as it’s the same ingredients and dosage!! Can’t go back to how I was. Couldn’t leave the house for all the stinging and weeing. Fingers crossed it’ll be fine x

Fingers crossed for you! I agree, it’s a lifesaver x

It’s just a brand, like Nurofen is the well known brand but is just ibuprofen .

Hope so. It’s been like a miracle x

https://www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/vaginal-estrogens-what-is-ovestin-and-how-do-i-use-it/